Every community has leaders. Two of them were E. C. Dillon, the
oldest native of Many, and John H. Boone, a successful practicing
attorney. They were men discussing business proposals, while at
the same time wanting to do something for the town and parish
in which they lived.
"Let's start a bank," said Mr. Dillon. The idea was mentioned to a few friends and the result was that within a short time the proposal accumulated the endorsement of enough men with capital and foresight to convert the street remark into a reality.
Consequently, a new bank was born named The Peoples State Bank. Since that time, The Peoples State Bank has been all that its name implies. Its officers and directors have been leaders of Sabine Parish and have appreciated the confidence and respect of the individuals and firms it has served through the years.
The original officers of the bank were E. C. Dillon, President; J. H. Boone and P. H. Lester, Vice Presidents; O. O. Cleveland, Cashier. The first Board of Directors included E. C. Dillon, J. H. Boone, O. O. Cleveland, P. H. Lester, J. G. Montgomery, G. C. Addison, John A. Hoagland, S. C. Cade, J. H. Phares, F. R. Aaron, R. M. Mitchell, D. D. King, and J. A. Taylor.
E. C. Dillon served as President until his death in February 1934; J. H. Boone, as Vice President until his death in April 1932. John J. Blake was elected Cashier in October 1914, and served in that capacity until October 1934.
Following the death of Mr. Dillon in 1934, John. J. Blake was named President; R. J. Lucius, Vice President; and J. B. Vandegaer, Cashier. J. M. Jordan was elected Cashier in August 1942, and Executive Vice President in 1962. J. R. Jordan, who was employed in November 1949, was elected as Manager of the new Zwolle branch in 1953. The first location of the Zwolle branch was on the corner of Port Arthur and Hammond Street. John J. Blake, Jr. was employed in March 1948, and was elected Cashier in 1962.
The bank began a new chapter in 1967, as John J. Blake, Jr. was elected the new President of Peoples State Bank. Like his father before him, John J. Blake, Jr. had also served as Cashier before being promoted first to Executive Vice President, and then to President.
In 1976, under the direction of John J. Blake, Jr., the Zwolle branch was relocated to a new building, its present location, on Highway 171 in the center of town.
For nearly 20 years, John J. Blake, Jr. continued the services
initiated by his father until he retired from the financial industry
in 1986. In 1984, while John J. Blake, Jr. was still President
of Peoples State Bank, local businessman Pete Abington formed
a one-bank holding company, PSB Financial Corporation, and purchased
the outstanding shares of Peoples State Bank. Through his dedication
to Peoples State Bank and the communities it serves, Pete Abington
has been very instrumental in the growth of the bank, expanding
from $28 million in assets in 1984 with 2 locations, to its present
strength of over $300 million in assets and 14 locations.
John J. Blake, III began his employment with Peoples State Bank in 1975 as a part-time employee. Like his father and grandfather before him, John J. Blake, III became a full-time Assistant Cashier in 1979, after graduation from college. In December 1982, he was promoted to Assistant Vice President, and in April 1985, as Executive Vice President under his father. Continuing his family's legacy, he served in that capacity until his appointment as President in 1986-at that time, the youngest bank president in the State of Louisiana. John J. Blake, III earned this position by exemplifying leadership, being progressive and creative, and demonstrating his strong banking knowledge, as well as compassion for others. His strong leadership skills will guide Peoples State Bank confidently into the future.
High quality customer service is the true mission of this bank. The Bank’s most important asset is its’ customers. Our products are designed to meet the needs of customers, our hours are set to meet the needs of the customers, and our employees are hired to meet the needs of the customers. Peoples State Bank will strive to reach every sector of the community it serves with the appropriate financial services. It is only through the accomplishments of this mission that the Bank’s profitability goals are achievable.
The next most important asset of the Bank is its employees. Without dedicated and responsible employees, it would be impossible for the Bank to be a responsible citizen of the community or to render high quality customer service. All will be given equal opportunity and a fair wage regardless of race, color, sex, age, religion, or physical condition. All bank employees will be treated with dignity and respect.
Peoples State Bank takes its citizenship duties seriously and will not knowingly take actions that are against the best interest of our community, its businesses, or its families.
Founded on foresight, grown on faith and flourishing with progressiveness, Peoples State Bank looks forward to the further building of the communities it serves.
